How cold weather affects farm animal welfare, the species most at risk, and evidence-based management strategies.
Cold stress causes direct suffering through shivering, huddling, reduced mobility, and in severe cases frostbite and death. Neonatal animals are particularly vulnerable - piglets and lambs can die from hypothermia within hours of birth without adequate heat provision. Farmers face particular challenges during extended cold snaps when heating infrastructure is overwhelmed. Cold stress also compromises immunity, increasing disease susceptibility. Welfare considerations for cold stress are often well understood by experienced farmers but can be overlooked during staff changes or extreme weather events.